Be the Hero by Noah Blumenthal

$19.95

Hardcover

There’s a common question among corporate executives about whether leaders are born or made.

This question is simplistic and problematic. It allows people who don’t know how or don’t want to spend the time or money to neglect developing leadership in those around them.

This question also promotes ego trips by some who view themselves as leaders who were bestowed with their special capabilities while others were not.

These problems stem from the too prevalent porn definition of leader – I know it when I see it. That definition isn’t good enough. Because if we can define leadership, we can develop it.

My own definition is simple. Leadership is bringing out your and others’ best performance.

I’ve seen a couple of great examples this week that we can all learn from.

The first is from Doug Lemov, whose book, Teach Like a Champion, is a guide book for making a great teacher. CNN did a nice piece on his work. One of the keys I saw in the video was total engagement. A great teacher doesn’t engage one child at a time leaving the others to boredom. A great teacher engages everyone in the room.

That can be taught. Hats off to Doug Lemov for his work.

Anytime you can define a skill of a leader (great teachers being one very important type of leader), you can build that skill. So, yes, leaders can be made. You just have to identify the skills.